NATIONAL NEWSLETTER OF GAMMA SIGMA SIGMA NATIONAL SERVICE SORORITY
PERSPECTIVES Volume 57, Issue 2
www.gammasigmasigma.org
SPRING 2011
Woman of the Year: Enitan Doherty-Mason By: Alyshia Inks, National Vice-President Every convention, Gamma Sigma Sigma recognizes a woman of national or local prominence for her outstanding contributions in volunteer service and who has made a difference in her community. It gives me great pleasure to announce the 2011 Woman of the Year recipient as Mrs. Enitan Doherty-Mason, founder and executive director of Eduwatch. Doherty-Mason was nominated by District 7 Director, Ashley Thomas. Eduwatch is a nonprofit organization based in the United States that provides educational resources to schools and educational institutions in Nigeria. Her efforts touch the lives of Nigerian children of all ages, regardless of their ethnic or religious affiliation, in order to develop them into responsible and productive members of society. Doherty-Mason stated that it is difficult for these children to focus on school because they don’t know what’s going to be waiting for them when they get home. Many children live without electricity and running water, something that we take for granted having as a part of our everyday lives. “She embodies service, friendship, and equality in her actions, not only to bring awareness through her own nonprofit organization, but also with the organizations she shares membership in.” —Ashley Thomas
Doherty-Mason moved to the United States in 1976 in order to further her education. She said that the development of Eduwatch was not planned and began shortly after a trip back to Nigeria while shadowing a local principal. She was in shock at the condition of the school and lack of resources being provided to the children, and she immediately held a workshop to reach out to the school’s educators. Doherty-Mason then asked her friends for donations and purchased educational tools on her own to send to the schools. Doherty-Mason now coordinates a variety of programs including: Nigeria Reads, Meet a Nigerian Author project, Read Aloud project, Partners in Education, Books for Schools, and Adopt-A-School.
In addition to her work with Eduwatch, Doherty-Mason is also involved with various organizations including: the National Education Association of the United States, National Peace Corp Association, Delta Kappa Gamma, the Maryland State Teachers Association, and Women’s Business Meetings. After speaking with Doherty-Mason, I can see how she has inspired so many young women and men to take action and make a difference in the world. Through her leadership, wisdom, and community service, she has tutored countless children, trained an abundance of educators, and served as a mentor and role model for young women.
“As a woman, you are capable of reaching beyond your borders. You can do lots of small things to get the ball rolling. Believe that one person’s small actions can make a huge impact. You don’t have to wait. You just need to get started!” —Mrs. Doherty-Mason
How can you get involved? If you live in the greater Washington D.C. area, volunteers are needed to assist with distribution, administrative work, and public relations. If you do not live in the area, you can promote tolerance by increasing awareness about literacy, Nigeria, and Nigerians. Voluntary donations are also needed for financial support of packaging and shipping costs, as well as to support a variety of related programs. Please join me in congratulating Doherty-Mason as our 2011 Woman of the Year. We look forward to meeting her and hearing more about her worthy cause at the 2011 National Convention in Herndon, VA this summer! For more information on Doherty-Mason, Eduwatch, and related programs, please visit www.eduwatch.org.